Have you ever wondered if premium headphones can truly balance rich sound, comfort, and design without going overboard on price?
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e comes impressively close, refining the already excellent Px7 S2 with better tuning, upgraded connectivity, and smoother overall performance.
This review breaks down everything you need to know, so that by the end, you’ll see what makes the Px7 S2e stand out.
Quick Overview
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e launched in September 2023 with an original price of around $399, positioned as an “evolved” version of the Px7 S2 rather than a full redesign.
Today, they typically sell in the $300–$400 / £220–£320 range, depending on retailer, color, and seasonal discounts, with occasional deals dipping just under the $300 mark.
They’re available in Anthracite Black, Ocean Blue, Cloud Grey, and Forest Green, sitting comfortably in the upper mid-tier headphone segment – below flagship models like the Px8, but above most mainstream ANC competitors from Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser.
That pricing and positioning make the Px7 S2e a strong option for listeners who want premium build and sound without paying true “luxury” money.
Features of Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
This model combines luxury design with refined acoustics and reliable connectivity, focusing on real-world usability. Each feature has been fine-tuned for comfort, clarity, and endurance during everyday use.
1. Design and Comfort
- Materials: A Premium blend of cloth, metal, and leather gives a luxurious yet sturdy feel.
- Weight and Fit: Slightly lighter than most competitors, offering a snug but comfortable fit.
- Comfort Notes: Works well for long sessions, and the padding accommodates glasses wearers without pressure.
2. Sound Quality and Tuning
- Audio Balance: Deep bass, clean mids, and crisp highs deliver a natural, detailed profile.
- Performance: Handles rock, classical, and hip-hop genres with impressive precision.
- EQ Settings: The companion app allows subtle tuning; boosting mids improves vocals.
3. Noise Cancellation and Transparency
- ANC Strength: Blocks ambient noise effectively in offices, flights, and public spaces.
- Comparison: Slightly trails Sony XM5 and Bose QC Ultra in adaptability but stays consistent.
- Transparency: Lets in outside sounds naturally without distortion or hiss.
4. Battery Life and Charging
- Playtime: Offers up to 30 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with it off.
- Quick Charge: A 15-minute boost provides up to 7 hours of listening.
- Longevity: Maintains strong battery health even with frequent use.
5. Microphones and Call Quality
- Voice Clarity: Produces clear, natural tones during calls and video meetings.
- Noise Handling: Reduces wind and crowd interference effectively.
- Use Case: Perfect for hybrid workers, commuters, and frequent travelers.
6. Connectivity and App Features
- Bluetooth: Equipped with version 5.3 for stable, low-latency pairing.
- USB-C Audio: Delivers high-resolution playback on Android and iOS devices.
- App Controls: Companion app includes EQ, firmware updates, and battery tracking.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs. Alternatives
The Px7 S2e refines tuning and performance compared to its predecessor while competing with flagship models in ANC, comfort, and price.
| Model | Sound | ANC | Battery | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Px7 S2e | Balanced, clear | Very Good | 30 hrs | Excellent |
| Px7 S2 | Warmer | Good | 30 hrs | Great |
| Px8 | Luxurious tuning | Very Good | 40 hrs (est) | Premium plush |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Rich, dynamic | Excellent | 30 hrs | Very Good |
| Bose QC Ultra | Neutral, clean | Excellent | ~24 hrs | Outstanding |
Expert and User Opinions
Both reviewers and real users agree that this model delivers exceptional sound quality and refined comfort, though its ANC performance sits slightly behind leading competitors.
Expert Reviews
“Phenomenal clarity and balance one of the most musical headphones in its class.” – What Hi-Fi
“Superb tuning and build, but the ANC can’t quite match Sony or Bose.” – SoundGuys
“Beautifully designed with natural tonality; ideal for critical listening and long sessions.” – TechRadar
User Reviews
“The sound is unreal clear, detailed, and not overly bass-heavy. Exactly what I wanted.” – Reddit user
“Comfort is excellent for hours of listening, though ANC could be stronger in flights.” – Reddit user
“Best Bowers & Wilkins headphones so far; incredible quality for the price range.” – Head-Fi forum post
Listeners and reviewers alike describe it as a major success, phenomenal sound, slightly behind in ANC, but easily one of the best all-around headphones for music lovers.
Who It’s Best For and Who Should Avoid It
This isn’t a “bass cannon” or ANC monster – it’s a refined pair of headphones built for people who actually care what their music really sounds like. The Px7 S2e focuses on accuracy, comfort, and craftsmanship over flashy effects.
Who the Px7 S2e is Best For:
- Audiophiles & music professionals who prefer a balanced, natural sound rather than boosted bass.
- Home listeners who want clear, detailed playback for long listening sessions.
- Travelers and remote workers who appreciate 30-hour battery life and premium, comfortable materials.
- Detail-focused listeners who value soundstage, instrument separation, and tonal accuracy.
Who Should Probably Skip It:
- Bass lovers looking for heavy, thumping low-end for EDM, hip-hop, or club-style listening.
- ANC-first buyers who want the most aggressive noise cancelling, like top-end Sony or Bose models.
- Impact seekers who prioritize punch and “wow” factor over realism and neutrality.
If clarity, realism, and build quality matter more to you than maximum bass or the strongest ANC, the Px7 S2e is an excellent fit.
If you mainly want big, boosted low-end and ultra-strong noise cancellation, you’ll be happier looking elsewhere.
Conclusion
In this Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e review, I once again saw how precision engineering and refined sound can work together beautifully. The headphones feel premium yet practical, offering a mix of style and substance.
They stand out with balanced audio, clear vocals, and excellent comfort, making long listening sessions effortless. Battery life and build quality add to their everyday reliability.
Compared to Sony and Bose, they might not lead in ANC, but they win in tone accuracy and overall listening satisfaction. It’s a headphone made for people who truly appreciate detail.
I once thought upgrades like this were minor, but this one proves its worth. If sound balance matters most to you, these should be your next pair.
